Snap-fit lighting attachments for use in conjunction with magnetization equipment during non-destructive testing (ndt)

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for implementing and utilizing lighting attachments for use in conjunction with handheld magnetization equipment during non-destructive testing (NDT). The lighting attachments may incorporate snap-fit based designed, and may be configured for providing lighting based on the magnetization function of the magnetization equipment.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/364,477, filed on Mar. 26, 2019. The above identifiedapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is used to evaluate properties and/orcharacteristics of material, components, and/or systems without causingdamage or altering the tested item. Because non-destructive testing doesnot permanently alter the article being inspected, it is a highlyvaluable technique, allowing for savings in cost and/or time when usedfor product evaluation, troubleshooting, and research. Frequently usednon-destructive testing methods include magnetic-particle inspections,eddy-current testing, liquid (or dye) penetrant inspection, radiographicinspection, ultrasonic testing, and visual testing. Non-destructivetesting (NDT) is commonly used in such fields as mechanical engineering,petroleum engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering,aeronautical engineering, medicine, art, and the like.

In some instances, dedicated material and/or products may be used innon-destructive testing. For example, non-destructive testing ofparticular type of articles may entail applying (e.g., by spraying on,pouring into, passing through, etc.), to the would-be tested article orpart, a material that is configured for performing the non-destructivetesting. In this regard, such material (referred as “NDT material” or“NDT product” hereinafter) may be selected and/or made based on havingparticular magnetic, visual, etc. characteristics suitable for thenon-destructive testing—e.g., allowing detecting defects andimperfections in the would-be tested article.

One form or type of NDT based inspections is NDT light-basedinspections. In this regard, in NDT light-based inspections, light maybe used (e.g., in combination with NDT related material applied to theto-be-inspected articles) to inspect for defects. In this regard, thedefects may be visually identified based on, e.g., color contrast orsome light-related behavior. NDT light-based inspections have their ownunique set of challenges, however.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional approaches willbecome apparent to one management of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such approaches with some aspects of the present methodand system set forth in the remainder of this disclosure with referenceto the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to product testing andinspection. More specifically, various implementations in accordancewith the present disclosure are directed to lighting attachments for usein conjunction with magnetization equipment during non-destructivetesting (NDT), substantially as illustrated by or described inconnection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth morecompletely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentdisclosure, as well as details of an illustrated implementation thereof,will be more fully understood from the following description anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example non-destructive testing (NDT) basedinspection setup in which an electromagnetic yoke may be used, which beconfigured for operation in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example yoke attachment for use during yoke-basednon-destructive testing (NDT) based inspection, in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of an example snap-fit based yokeattachment, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various implementations in accordance with the present disclosure aredirected to providing enhanced magnetization based non-destructivetesting (NDT) inspections, by use of lighting attachments that may beattached to handheld magnetization equipment. In this regard,conventional solutions if any existing for providing lighting duringmagnetization based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections when usinghandheld magnetization equipment (e.g., yokes) suffer from variousshortcomings that may hinder the effectiveness and/or cost of such NDTinspections. For example, any existing lighting attachments may requiresignification disassembly and reassembly, may require additional partsand/or changes to the handheld magnetization equipment, and/or mayrequire use of power supply sources. Accordingly, implementations inaccordance with the present disclosure overcome at least some of theseshortcomings in cost effective manner.

An example non-destructive testing (NDT) apparatus in accordance withthe present disclosure may include handheld magnetization equipmentconfigured for magnetizing surfaces during magnetic particle basednon-destructive testing (NDT) inspections, and a lighting attachmentconfigured for use in conjunction with the handheld magnetizationequipment. The lighting attachment may be configurable to be securelyattached to the handheld magnetization equipment, may be removable, mayinclude one or more light emitting elements, configured for projectinglight onto the surfaces being inspected, and may be configurable forproviding power to the one or more light emitting elements based onoperation of the handheld magnetization equipment when magnetizing thesurfaces being inspected.

In an example implementation, at least a part of the lighting attachmentmay have a conformal geometric design to enable it to be securelyattached to a corresponding particular part of the handheldmagnetization equipment.

In an example implementation, the handheld magnetization equipment maybe configured for generating a magnetic field for magnetizing thesurfaces being inspected, and the lighting attachment may beconfigurable for generating based on the magnetic field at least some ofthe power for the one or more light emitting elements.

In an example implementation, the lighting attachment may include aninduction element configured for generating power based on the magneticfield electromagnetic induction.

In an example implementation, the one or more light emitting elementsmay include light-emitting diode (LED) lighting elements.

In an example implementation, the lighting attachment may include one ormore attaching components configured for enabling the lightingattachment to be attached and detached from the handheld magnetizationequipment. The one or more attaching components may include at least oneattaching component configured to snap onto corresponding protrudingextension on the handheld magnetization equipment. The one or moreattaching components may be configured to enable securely attaching thelighting attachment to a particular part of the handheld magnetizationequipment.

The particular part of the handheld magnetization equipment may includethe part positioned closest to the surfaces being inspected during themagnetic particle based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections.

In an example implementation, the lighting attachment may include asupport component configured for maintained tight fit onto the handheldmagnetization equipment when the lighting attachment is attached to thehandheld magnetization equipment.

An example lighting attachment, for use in conjunction with handheldmagnetization equipment during magnetic particle based non-destructivetesting (NDT) in accordance with the present disclosure may include oneor more light emitting elements, configured for projecting light ontosurfaces being inspected, and a power component configured for providingpower to the one or more light emitting elements. The lightingattachment may be configured to be securely attached to handheldmagnetization equipment, the lighting attachment may be configured to beremovable, and the power component may be configurable for generatingthe power based on operation of the handheld magnetization equipmentwhen magnetizing the surfaces being inspected.

In an example implementation, at least a part of the lighting attachmentmay have a conformal geometric design to enable it to be securelyattached to a corresponding particular part of the handheldmagnetization equipment.

In an example implementation, the power component may be configured forgenerating the power based on a magnetic field generated by the handheldmagnetization equipment for magnetizing the surfaces being inspected.

In an example implementation, the power component may be configured forgenerating the power based on the magnetic field using electromagneticinduction.

In an example implementation, each of the one or more light emittingelements may be a light-emitting diode (LED) lighting element.

In an example implementation, the lighting attachment may include one ormore attaching components configured for enabling the lightingattachment to be attached and detached from the handheld magnetizationequipment.

The one or more attaching components may include at least one attachingcomponent configured to snap onto corresponding protruding extension onthe handheld magnetization equipment. The one or more attachingcomponents are configured to enable securely attaching the lightingattachment to a particular part of the handheld magnetization equipment.The particular part of the handheld magnetization equipment may includethe part positioned closest to the surfaces being inspected during themagnetic particle based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections.

In an example implementation, the lighting attachment may include asupport component configured for maintained tight fit onto the handheldmagnetization equipment when the lighting attachment may be attached tothe handheld magnetization equipment.

As utilized herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer tophysical electronic components (e.g., hardware), and any software and/orfirmware (“code”) that may configure the hardware, be executed by thehardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As usedherein, for example, a particular processor and memory (e.g., a volatileor non-volatile memory device, a general computer-readable medium, etc.)may comprise a first “circuit” when executing a first one or more linesof code and may comprise a second “circuit” when executing a second oneor more lines of code. Additionally, a circuit may comprise analogand/or digital circuitry. Such circuitry may, for example, operate onanalog and/or digital signals. It should be understood that a circuitmay be in a single device or chip, on a single motherboard, in a singlechassis, in a plurality of enclosures at a single geographical location,in a plurality of enclosures distributed over a plurality ofgeographical locations, etc. Similarly, the term “module” may, forexample, refer to a physical electronic components (e.g., hardware) andany software and/or firmware (“code”) that may configure the hardware,be executed by the hardware, and or otherwise be associated with thehardware.

As utilized herein, circuitry or module is “operable” to perform afunction whenever the circuitry or module comprises the necessaryhardware and code (if any is necessary) to perform the function,regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or notenabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in thelist joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any elementof the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/ory” means “one or both of x and y.” As another example, “x, y, and/or z”means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x,z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means “one ormore of x, y, and z.” As utilized herein, the term “exemplary” meansserving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. Asutilized herein, the terms “for example” and “e.g.” set off lists of oneor more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example non-destructive testing (NDT) basedinspection setup in which an electromagnetic yoke may be used, which beconfigured for operation in accordance with the present disclosure.Shown in FIG. 1 is a non-destructive testing (NDT) setup 100, which maybe used in performing non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections.

The NDT setup 100 may comprise various components configured fornon-destructive testing (NDT) inspection of articles (e.g., machineparts and the like), in accordance with particular NDT inspectionmethodology and/or techniques. For example, the NDT setup 100 maycomprise an inspection surface 130, upon which an article 110 (e.g., amachine part) may be placed for inspection. The part 110 may be securedusing holding elements 140, which may be configured to allow securingthe part 110, and holding it in place in particular manner, to enableperforming NDT inspection thereof in accordance with particular manner,such as based on the particular NDT inspection methodology and/ortechniques the NDT setup 100 is configured to support.

For example, the NDT setup 100 may be configured for magnetic-based NDTinspections, which are particularly suitable for use in inspectingferrous-based articles. In this regard, with magnetic-based NDTinspections, defects and/or irregularities in inspected articles may beidentified based on magnetization of the inspected article, such as byexhibiting particular discernable behavior or characteristic in responseto the magnetization of the inspected article.

One example method for magnetic-based NDT inspections is the “magneticparticle” method, which may be particularly suitable for identifyingdiscontinuities (flaws) in metal parts and surfaces. In this regard, toperform a magnetic particle NDT inspection, equipment is used tomagnetize the surface being examined, and ferrous particles are appliedto the magnetized area. This may allow identify any defects, as anydiscontinuity in the surface, for example, may cause the magnetic fluxto leak out of the surface, attracting the particles to that area andmaking it visible as an indication.

In this regard, the “magnetic particle” based inspections may typicallyentail visual examination of the inspected articles (e.g., identify anychanges caused by defects in response to the magnetization). To thatend, the magnetic particles that build up at areas corresponding todefects and/or irregularities in the inspected article (or surfacethereof) may be available in several different visible colors, chosen toprovide a contrast to the base material.

Accordingly, adequate lighting may be needed in the examination area tomake indications readily visible to the inspector for evaluation.However, in many instances magnetic particle inspections typically maybe performed in confined spaces or tight areas such that ambient lightis not sufficient to perform the examination. Therefore, in suchinstances, an artificial light source may be needed. In this regard, inmost implementations utilizing magnetic particle based inspections, alight source may need to be used, such to project light (e.g., whitelight, ultraviolet (UV) light, etc.) at the inspected articles, to helpidentify any defects and/or irregularities.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the NDT setup 100 may comprise aninspect lamp 150. In this regard, the lamp 150 may be configured forgenerating and/or projecting white light and/or UV light. The lamp 150may be configured to provide light during inspections in optimal manner.For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the lamp 150 may be attached to asupport structure 160, such as it may be held above the inspectionsurface 130 and pointing downwards, so that it may project its lightdownwards onto the inspection surface 130, thus allowing NDT inspectionof articles placed thereon (e.g., the part 110).

Various techniques may be used for magnetizing the inspected articles.One technique is by use of portable devices, which may be used by theuser to magnetize the surface of the inspected article. For example, asshown in FIG. 1, an electromagnetic yoke 140 may be used in the NDTsetup 100, to magnetize the inspected article 110 while held in place.In this regard, yokes may be electromagnetic handheld devices configuredfor converting electrical current to magnetic flux, projecting it intoinspected articles. For example, the yoke 140 may be configured forconverting electrical current to magnetic flux, projecting it into thesurface of the inspected article 110 through two legs, which may or maynot be articulated to conform to surface geometry.

Use of yokes may pose some challenges and/or raise some issues, however.For example, performing NDT inspections using a yoke may typicallyentails using the yoke in a manner that may affect other components ordevices in the inspection setup. Positioning the yoke to perform aninspection, for example, may block the light (e.g., ambient light and/orlight projected by the light source in the setup) needed for theinspection—e.g., to see any indications forming on the surface of theinspected article.

Accordingly, implementations in accordance with the present disclose mayprovide improved solutions for use of portable devices in NDTinspections, particularly handheld devices (e.g., electromagnetic yokes)that may be used in magnetic particle based NDT inspections, whichremedy some of the issues in existing solutions.

For example, in various implementations an accessory device may be used,being configured such that it may be attached to the yoke, to provideillumination while the yoke is being used during the inspection. In thisregard, such accessory device may be configured such that it may providethe needed lighting, without adversely affecting the operation of theyoke itself—e.g., without interfering and/or otherwise impacting themagnetization function of the yoke, and without causing significantchange to the shape, size, etc. of the yoke (or yoke/accessorycombination) as to make the conduct of inspection itself morecumbersome. The accessory device may also be configured such that it maybe selectively attachable (and/or detachable), while still providingsecure attachment to the yoke—i.e., may be attached (or detached) whennecessary, and does so while still ensuring tight engagement with theyoke when attached. Further, the accessory device may also be configuredsuch that it the lighting provided thereby may be powered using theyoke, using the magnetic flux generated thereby. Example implementationsof such accessory devices are shown and described with respect to FIGS.2 and 3, below.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example yoke attachment for use during yoke-basednon-destructive testing (NDT) based inspection, in accordance with thepresent disclosure. Shown in FIG. 2 are a yoke 210 and a yoke attachment220.

The yoke 210 may correspond to an implementation of the yoke 140 ofFIG. 1. In this regard, the yoke 210 may be a handheld electromagneticdevice configuring for magnetizing objects, such as during magneticparticle based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections, as describedwith respect to FIG. 1. Accordingly, the yoke 210 may comprise anycombination of suitable hardware (including circuitry) and software forconverting electrical currents to magnetic flux, projecting it into theinspected articles.

The yoke attachment 220 may be configured for application to the yoke210, to remedy at least some of the issues that arise with use of suchdevices in NDT inspection, as describe with respect to FIG. 1. In thisregard, yoke attachment 220 may be configured such that, when attachedto the yoke 210, it may provide illumination while the yoke 210 is beingused—e.g., during magnetic particle based NDT inspection.

As noted with respect to FIG. 1, accessory devices in accordance withthe present disclosure, such as the yoke attachment 220, may beconfigured to operate without adversely affecting the operation of theyoke itself. Accordingly, the yoke attachment 220 is designed and/orconfigured to operate without adversely affecting the operation of theyoke 210. For example, the yoke attachment 220 is designed and/orconfigured to operate without interfering and/or otherwise impacting themagnetization function of the yoke 210. Further, the yoke attachment 220is designed for optimal attachment—e.g., when attached to the yoke 210,it does not significantly change the shape, weight, and/or size of theyoke 210 as to make conducting the inspection more cumbersome.

Yoke attachments (such as the yoke attachment 220) may be configured toproviding lighting during the NDT inspections, when attached to theyokes. For example, the yoke attachment 220 may incorporate lights atthe bottom side (shown in FIG. 3) that project onto the direction inwhich the yoke 210 is directed. Various types of light (or lightingelements) may be used, including light-emitting diode (LED) lights. Inan example implementation, multiple lights (e.g., LED lighting elements)may be used, and configured to operate in a manner that ensurescontinuous lighting even when using AC current.

Yoke attachments (such as the yoke attachment 220) may be configured topower lighting elements incorporate thereto, without requiringindependent power supply. For example, the yoke attachment 220 may beconfigured to power the lighting provided thereby using the yoke itself,such as using the magnetic flux generated by the yoke for the NDTinspection. For example, the yoke attachment 220 may be configured togenerate power (e.g., for its lighting elements) using induced currentsfrom the magnetic flux generated by the yoke 210 when it is energized.The yoke attachment 220 may be designed to maximize the inductivecoupling—e.g., being designed to fit against the yoke legs as closely aspossible.

The yoke attachment 220 may be configured to provide secure attachmentto the yoke—e.g., ensuring tight and secure engagement with the yoke 210when attached to it. Further, the yoke attachment 220 may be configuredfor selective attachment and/or detachment (e.g., so that it may beattached to the yoke 210 only when needed and detached/removed from itwhen not needed), without compromising the time and secure engagementwith the yoke 210.

Preferably, yoke attachments (such as the yoke attachment 220) mayincorporate a design that allows for quick and simplyattachment/detachment—that is, without requiring disassembly andre-assembly of the yoke (or any component thereof—e.g., legs), withoutnecessitating use of special tools, and without requiring usingadditional parts (e.g., replacement of fastening hardware to accommodatethe yoke attachment). Rather, the yoke attachment may be designed suchthat the user may manually attach them to the yoke, and similarlymanually detach them when not needed. Further, the yoke attachments maybe designed such that they (and attaching them to the yokes) do notrequire use of seal or sealant—this is may be desirable because heatwould dissipate any fluid, particularly when the yoke/attachment arebeing used in conjunction with NDT inspections.

In an example implementation, yoke attachments (such as the yokeattachment 220) may utilize a conformal design to ensure that the yokeattachment and the yoke may snap together—that is, provide “snap-fit”engagement, without requiring disassembly and re-assembly, and/orwithout necessitating use of special tools. This may entail designingthe yoke attachments specifically to match particular yokes. Further, insome instances, changes may be made to yoke to ensure such snap-fitengagement. In other words, specific features are designed and/orincorporated into both the yoke attachment and the yoke itself (e.g.,the main body housing of the yoke) to accomplish such snap-fit, withoutthe use of any hardware or fasteners. For example, a snap-fit based yokeattachment may be designed to slip over the yoke without requiring touse any tools (e.g., for removing the legs of the yoke) or additionalparts. Such snap-fit design would not necessitate use a seal or sealant.An example snap-fit based yoke attachment is described in more detailswith respect to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of an example snap-fit based yokeattachment, in accordance with the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 3are a yoke 310 and a yoke attachment 320.

The yoke 310 and the yoke attachment 320 may be similar to the yoke 210and the yoke attachment 220, as describe with respect to FIG. 2. Theyoke attachment 320 may incorporate a snap-fit based design. In thisregard, the yoke attachment 320 may utilize a conformal design to ensurethat snap onto the yoke 310, providing a tight fit when the yokeattachment 320 and the yoke 310 are snapped onto each other, withoutrequiring use of special tools and/or additional parts. Rather, the yokeattachment 320 may be attached to the yoke 310 manually (e.g., by theuser by placing the yoke attachment 320 on the end of the yoke 310, andthen pushing it into the yoke 310), snapping onto position as it slipsover the yoke 310, without requiring to use any tools or additionalparts.

The yoke attachment 320 may incorporate various elements for supportingthe snap-fit design. For example, the yoke attachment 320 mayincorporate a frame 330 composed of hard material (e.g., resin based),to provide rigid framing and support, thus giving and allowingmaintaining the overall shape of the yoke attachment 320. The frame 330may also be configured to house other components of the yoke attachment320, such as circuitry, lighting elements, etc. The hard frame 330 maybe embedded within and surrounded by a shell 340 composed of soft andelastic material, to provide padding and cushioning, such as to protectthe yoke attachment 320 and/or the yoke to which it may be attachedduring attachment and/or use of the yoke/attachment combination duringNDT inspections. Further, the yoke attachment 320 may comprise anengagement element 350 (e.g., implemented as part of the shell 340), tofacilitate the snapping of the yoke attachment 320 onto the yoke 310,and then the maintaining of a tight fit with the yoke 310. Theengagement element 350 may comprise a lip that would engage acorresponding protrusion in the body of the yoke 310, as shown (as crosssection) of the yoke/attachment combination illustrated in FIG. 3

To provide the illuminating function, as describe with respect to FIGS.1 and 2, the yoke attachment 320 may comprise one or more lightingelements 360, which may be configured to emit light during inspections.The one or more lighting elements 360 may be configured to project lightonto the article being inspected, such as by projecting light in thedirection in which the yoke 310 is directed. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, the one or more lighting elements 360 may be incorporated tobottom (outer) surface of the yoke attachment 320, and as a resultingmay project light in the direction in which the yoke 310 is directedwhen it is being used to magnetize the inspected article. Nonetheless,the disclosure is not so limited, and in some instances, the lightelements may be configured to, alternatively or additionally, generateand/or project light in other directions—e.g., sideway, to enhanceambient lighting conditions around inspect articles.

The one or more lighting elements 360 may preferably be configured togenerate and project white light. Nonetheless, the disclosure is not solimited, and in some instances, the light elements may be configured togenerate and/or project other types of light (e.g., UV light). Further,in some instances, the light elements may be configured to generate andprojects different types of light.

The one or more lighting elements 360 may comprise includinglight-emitting diode (LED) lighting elements. The disclosure is not solimited, however, and any suitable type of light emitting element may beused. Further, in some instances different types of light emittingelements may be used, to optimize performance.

In an example implementation, multiple lights may be used, and may beparticularly configured to operate in a manner (e.g., timing wise) thatensures continuous lighting even when using AC current.

The yoke attachment 320 may be configured to power the lighting elementswithout requiring independent power supply. For example, the yokeattachment 320 may be configured to power the lighting provided therebyusing the yoke 310 itself, such as using the magnetic flux generated bythe yoke 310 during NDT inspections. The yoke attachment 320 mayincorporate a coil 370, for example, which may be configured to generateinduction current when subject to the magnetic flux generated by theyoke 310. The coil 370 may also be implemented such that it may furthersupport the frame 330 by providing added rigidity.

The yoke attachment 320 may also comprise suitable circuitry (not shown)for supporting various functions of yoke attachment 320. The circuitrymay be embedded, for example, within the frame 330, such as at the baseof the lighting elements 360. In this regard, the circuitry may controlthe generating of induction current via the coil 370, may managepowering the lighting elements 360 based on the induction current,and/or may control the lighting functions of the lighting elements360—e.g., to ensure continuous lighting despite the AC nature of theinduction current.

Other implementations in accordance with the present disclosure mayprovide a non-transitory computer readable medium and/or storage medium,and/or a non-transitory machine readable medium and/or storage medium,having stored thereon, a machine code and/or a computer program havingat least one code section executable by a machine and/or a computer,thereby causing the machine and/or computer to perform the processes asdescribed herein.

Accordingly, various implementations in accordance with the presentdisclosure may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software. The present disclosure may be realized in acentralized fashion in at least one computing system, or in adistributed fashion where different elements are spread across severalinterconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing system or otherapparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein issuited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be ageneral-purpose computing system with a program or other code that, whenbeing loaded and executed, controls the computing system such that itcarries out the methods described herein. Another typical implementationmay comprise an application specific integrated circuit or chip.

Various implementations in accordance with the present disclosure mayalso be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all thefeatures enabling the implementation of the methods described herein,and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out thesemethods. Computer program in the present context means any expression,in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended tocause a system having an information processing capability to perform aparticular function either directly or after either or both of thefollowing: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b)reproduction in a different material form.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tocertain implementations, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substitutedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example,block and/or components of disclosed examples may be combined, divided,re-arranged, and/or otherwise modified. In addition, many modificationsmay be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachingsof the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore,it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to theparticular implementation disclosed, but that the present disclosurewill include all implementations falling within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus configured for use in non-destructive testing (NDT), the apparatus comprising: handheld magnetization equipment configured for magnetizing surfaces during magnetic particle based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections; and a lighting attachment configured for use in conjunction with the handheld magnetization equipment, wherein: the lighting attachment is configured to be securely attached to the handheld magnetization equipment; the lighting attachment is removable; the lighting attachment comprises one or more light emitting elements, configured for projecting light onto the surfaces being inspected; and the lighting attachment is configured to provide power to the one or more light emitting elements based on operation of the handheld magnetization equipment when magnetizing the surfaces being inspected.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a part of the lighting attachment has a conformal geometric design to enable it to be securely attached to a corresponding particular part of the handheld magnetization equipment.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the handheld magnetization equipment is configured for generating a magnetic field for magnetizing the surfaces being inspected; and the lighting attachment is configured for generating based on the magnetic field at least some of the power for the one or more light emitting elements.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the lighting attachment comprises an induction element configured for generating power based on the magnetic field electromagnetic induction.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more light emitting elements comprises a light-emitting diode (LED).
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lighting attachment comprises one or more attaching components configured for enabling the lighting attachment to be attached and detached from the handheld magnetization equipment.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more attaching components comprise at least one attaching component configured to snap onto corresponding protruding extension on the handheld magnetization equipment.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more attaching components are configured to enable securely attaching the lighting attachment to a particular part of the handheld magnetization equipment.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the particular part of the handheld magnetization equipment comprises the part positioned closest to the surfaces being inspected during the magnetic particle based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lighting attachment comprises a support component configured for maintained tight fit onto the handheld magnetization equipment when the lighting attachment is attached to the handheld magnetization equipment.
 11. A lighting attachment for use in conjunction with handheld magnetization equipment during magnetic particle based non-destructive testing (NDT), the lighting attachment comprising: one or more light emitting elements, configured for projecting light onto surfaces being inspected; and a power component configured for providing power to the one or more light emitting elements; wherein: the lighting attachment is configured to be securely attached to a handheld magnetization equipment; the lighting attachment is configured to be removable; and the power component is configured to generate power based on operation of the handheld magnetization equipment when magnetizing the surfaces being inspected.
 12. The lighting attachment of claim 11, wherein at least a part of the lighting attachment has a conformal geometric design to enable it to be securely attached to a corresponding particular part of the handheld magnetization equipment.
 13. The lighting attachment of claim 11, wherein the power component is configured for generating the power based on a magnetic field generated by the handheld magnetization equipment for magnetizing the surfaces being inspected.
 14. The lighting attachment of claim 13, wherein the power component is configured for generating the power based on the magnetic field using electromagnetic induction.
 15. The lighting attachment of claim 11, wherein each of the one or more light emitting elements comprises a light-emitting diode (LED).
 16. The lighting attachment of claim 11, comprising one or more attaching components configured for enabling the lighting attachment to be attached and detached from the handheld magnetization equipment.
 17. The lighting attachment of claim 16, wherein the one or more attaching components comprise at least one attaching component configured to snap onto corresponding protruding extension on the handheld magnetization equipment.
 18. The lighting attachment of claim 16, wherein the one or more attaching components are configured to enable securely attaching the lighting attachment to a particular part of the handheld magnetization equipment.
 19. The lighting attachment of claim 18, wherein the particular part of the handheld magnetization equipment comprises the part positioned closest to the surfaces being inspected during the magnetic particle based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections.
 20. The lighting attachment of claim 11, comprising a support component configured for maintained tight fit onto the handheld magnetization equipment when the lighting attachment is attached to the handheld magnetization equipment. 